PM Abylgaziev: We had time to prepare for virus penetration and we know what to do

Bishkek, Mar.18, 2020. /Kabar/. Only by understanding responsibility, maintaining order and personal hygiene can we defeat coronavirus infection, Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziev said at a meeting on the situation with coronavirus infection, the Government's press service said.

"Despite our efforts to prevent the entry of infection into the country, three cases of infection were confirmed. These are citizens who returned from Saudi Arabia on Mar. 12, 2020.

At that time, this country was not in the category of countries with epidemiological instability. Therefore, after an initial check, they were sent to home quarantine. Doctors were daily visiting them,” the PM said.

“We had time to prepare for the virus's penetration, and we know what to do in this situation. The probability of virus penetration was increasing every day, and we were preparing scenarios for further action. All 135 passengers who arrived on that flight were isolated".

The head of the Government focused on the tasks that are facing the Cabinet of Ministers.

"We now have two main tasks: fighting the virus and minimizing its impacts.I responsibly declare the country has enough food supplies. In order to prevent speculation by unscrupulous sellers, we have temporarily introduced state price regulation. The warehouses have the necessary stocks of wheat and flour," the prime minister said.

Thus, a proposal to purchase 20 thousand tons of wheat worth KGS 411 million has been submitted to the Parliament.

Also, KGS 400 million are being allocated from the republican budget for the purchase of wheat. In addition, Aiyl Bank OJSC and RSK Bank will allocate a total of KGS 400 million.

"Therefore, there should be no problem in providing the country with the necessary stock of food and essential goods. The flow of goods across the border is carried out as usual. I have twice spoken with PMs of Russia Mikhail Mishustin and Kazakhstan Askar Mamin. Our views are the same in everything. Even if our borders are closed, there should be no restrictions on the flow of goods. The Government will fulfill all its social obligations to citizens in full,” Abylgaziev said, noting the only right step in solving the problem is to clearly follow all algorithms of action.

"Only order and discipline will allow to achieve victory against the coronavirus. You have all seen the challenges faced by other peoples, and at what cost they overcame these trials,” the head of the Cabinet of Ministers said.

Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziev highlighted the work of medical personnel, border guards and other specialists, who are on duty 24 hours a day.

In the morning of Mar.18 the first case of coronavirus has been reported in Kyrgyzstan.

Three men have been tested positive after returning from Saudi Arabia. All three Kyrgyz citizens are in Suzak region of Dzhalal-Abad Oblast.